Did not become eligible for the Champions Tour until midway through the season but made an impact quickly, winning the Boeing Classic near Seattle in just his fifth start. Then, despite only playing 12 events, he finished 28th on the money list, with a pair of top-10 performances in October. Prepped for the Champions Tour by playing in four Korn Ferry Tour events.

Vaulted into the top 30 for good when he placed fifth at the Greater Hickory Kia Classic in late October. Was in contention for the first two rounds at Rock Barn before a final-round, even-par 70 left him in solo fifth place.

Sealed a spot in the top 30 when he posted a closing-round, 5-under-par 67 at the AT&T Championship to earn a T6 at TPC San Antonio. Had entered the event 30th on the money list but jumped two places with his finish.

Made his Champions Tour debut at the inaugural Encompass Championship and finished T26 at North Shore CC.

Had a pair of eagles in a round on two occasions during the year. The first came in the first round at the 3M Championship and the other in the final round at the Shaw Charity Classic.

Missed the cut at both the Panama Claro Championship.

Missed the cut at the Colombia Championship.

Finished T22 at the Chitimacha Louisiana Open.

Withdrew from the WNB Golf Classic in Texas after an opening-round 75.

Used an 8-under-par 64 Saturday to forge a three-stroke lead at the Boeing Classic and his final-round 68 included birdies on three of the last four holes for his two-stroke victory over John Cook at the TPC Snoqualmie Ridge. Became the fifth rookie on the season to win, tying a Champions Tour record. Also became the first player to make the Boeing Classic his first victory on the circuit. Joined Esteban Toledo (Insperity Championship) as the second 2012 Q-school graduate to win a tournament.